We know how busy life as a childminder can be, and how challenging it can be to attend sessions and keep up with sector updates, alongside your day-to-day work. That’s why we’re making it easier than ever to stay informed!
Your half-termly one-page update is here. This half term we have a spotlight on 'The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) and Good Level of Development (GLD): Your Key Role as a Childminder'
What is the EYFSP?
The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) is an important
assessment tool used at the end of the Reception year (the school year in
which a child turns five) in England.
It provides a summary of each child’s development and learning
achievements across the seven areas of learning set out in the Early
Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
The assessment is based on observational evidence gathered by
practitioners (including childminders in the child's earlier years)
throughout the child's time in the EYFS.
The EYFSP aims to:
1.Inform parents/carers about their child's development.
2.Provide the Year 1 teacher with a summary of the child's learning
needs and capabilities.
3.Help ensure a smooth transition to Key Stage 1.
What is a Good Level of Development (GLD)?
A child is considered to have achieved a Good Level of Development
(GLD) if they have reached the expected level in the Early Learning Goals
(ELGs) in the following five key areas:
1.Communication and Language
2.Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
3.Physical Development
4.Literacy
5.Mathematics
Achieving the GLD is the benchmark for measuring a child's school
readiness, as these five areas form the most critical foundations for later
learning success.
Your Vital Role in the DfE's 'Best Start in Life' Agenda
Your work as a childminder is central to the Government's national strategy
for improving outcomes for young children, known as the 'Best Start in Life'
agenda.
The National Target
The Department for Education (DfE) has set an ambitious target to ensure a
record proportion of children are ready for school.
The milestone for this Parliament is for 75% of five-year-olds in England to
achieve a Good Level of Development (GLD) by the end of the academic
year 2028.
Your work in the early years is essential to reach this goal and close
the attainment gap between children from different backgrounds.
Targeting National Priorities: The Data
National data is a crucial tool for childminders, settings, schools and Local
Authorities. The EYFSP National Results (2024/25) pinpoints the
developmental areas where children nationwide face the greatest
challenges. By studying this data, you can proactively identify and address
these skill gaps, ensuring your early years efforts are focused exactly where
they are needed most. You can view the latest national data here: EYFSP
National Results (2024/25).
The Weakest Areas of Learning
The 2024/25 EYFSP results show a continued national challenge in the area
of Literacy, specifically the Writing Early Learning Goal (ELG), which
consistently has the lowest percentage of children achieving the expected
level.
How Childminders Can Help Target These Areas (Linking to DfE
Guidance)
The educational programmes in the EYFS Statutory Framework stresses that
Writing is built on a strong foundation of physical and oral skills. Your
setting is vital for building these pre-skills.
Writing (ELG) - Core Strength & Posture - Alternative Seating & Play: Encourage activities where children are on their tummies (prone position) for short periods, such as drawing on large
paper on the floor, or playing with toys while lying on their front. This naturally builds core and back muscles necessary for sitting upright and controlling the arm and hand during writing. EEF Evidence Store Link - Physical Development: Core Strength and Co-ordination
Pre-Writing Shapes - Repetitive Mark Making: Use various mediums (large chalk, paint on an easel) to practise the vertical, horizontal, and curved lines that form letters. The EEF highlights repetition and modelling of mark-making for purpose. EEF Evidence store Link - Physical Development: Teaching the Skills Needed for Mark- Making and Letter Formation.
Pencil Grip & Control - Fine Motor Mastery: Provide frequent opportunities for precise manipulation using the pincer grip (tweezers, pegs, small blocks). Activities like cooking,
threading, and using scissors are highly effective as they are meaningful and real experiences. EEF Evidence store link - Physical Development: Fine Motor Skills
Literacy (Overall Area) - Oral Language & Comprehension (A vital foundation for Literacy). - Intentional Talk: Use Interactive Reading (asking open questions, prompting recall, and extending vocabulary) during shared book time. The EEF estimates that Communication and Language approaches can provide seven months of additional progress.